Can opener



A. E. NELSON May 12, 1953 CAN OPENER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 4, 1948 Afro I A/5K5 A. E. NELSON May 12, 1953 CAN OPENER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 4, 1948 TToENE/s.

y 1953 A. E. NELSON 2,637,897

CAN OPENER Filed Oct. 4, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 Hrramvsvs.

Patented May 12, 1953 CAN OPENER Arthur E. Nelson, University City, Mo.; Helen Smith Nelson, executrix of said Arthur E. Nelson, deceased Application October 4, 1948, Serial No. 52,669

Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to kitchen aids, and more particularly to a can opener of the swing-away wall bracket type in which the lid severing action is accomplished by a disc cutter which operates in association with a supporting resiliently mounted feed wheel.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type which incorporates a feel wheel mounted upon a spring biased support and yieldable under predetermined substantial pressure applied against the feeding rim of the feed wheel through which maximum static can top piercing pressure is established.

Another object is to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type which incorporates a yieldable feed wheel support and can guide which absorbs undue or excessive piercing or cutting pressures.

Another object is to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type in which the lever for moving the disc cutter into initial cutting position is disposed adjacent the body of the can opener when the disc cutter is in raised can receiving position and which is in forwardly extending position relative to the can opener body when the disc cutter is in can top punctured position.

Another object is to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type in which the cutter disc is mounted on an eccentric which is rotatable for moving the cutter disc between its two extreme positions of movement.

Another object is to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type in which the movable axis of the cutter disc is disposed at an angle to the horizontal and to the feed wheel, and in which the cutter disc is moved towards the feed wheel in the can top puncturingaction to insure a closed operating relationship.

Another object is to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type which functions to sever the top of a can in a manner to leave a smooth surface adjacent the top of the opened can.

Other objects are to provide a novel can opener of the disc cutter type which is relatively inexpensive, which is sturdy in construction, which is adapted to function for an extended period of time without servicing, which is positive in operation and yet yieldable to severe strain applied to the feed wheel, which is simple to operate,

which includes an operating lever normally out of the way of contact by an individual thereby obviatin likelihood of personal injury, which is efficient in its sequential operational steps, and

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a can opener,

incorporating the teachings of the present invention, pivotally mounted on a wall bracket and showing a can being placed in position for severing of the top;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 with the cutter disc in can top puncturingposition;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the can opener shown in perspective in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view thereof, looking towards the feed wheel side thereof, a can being shown in broken lines in position for hav-- ing the top punctured and severed, the disc cutter being in raised inoperative position;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view thereof, showing the other side of the can opener, the handle being broken away for conservation of space;

Fig. 6 is an end elevational view thereof, looking towards the free end of the can opener;

Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 8-8 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional View on substantially the line 98 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the disc cutter in can top piercin position;

Fig. 11 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line H-H of Fig. 10, the can being shown in full lines;

Fig. 12 is a view of the feed wheel carrier;

Fig. 13 is a view of the disc cutter lever; and

Fig. 14 is a view of the body of the can opener.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 20 indicates generally a can opener constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Broadly, the can opener 29 includes a body 22 (Fig. 14), a feed wheel carrier 24 (Fig. 12), a disc cutter operating lever 26 (Fig. 13), an eccentric 28 (Figs. 7 and 11), a disc cutter 30, a feed wheel 32, a crank 34 for rotating the feed wheel 32, a spring 36 (Fig. 8), and mounting and correlatin elements more particularly described below.

As is clear from the drawings, noting more particularly Figs. 3 and 4, the body 22 is of elongated form and has a mounting sleeve the bulge 4 I member 38 secured to one end by suitable rivets 39. At the other end of the body 22 is a flange 40. Intermediate the ends, a semi-cylindrical bulge M is formed by material forced outwardly from the plane of the body 22 and severed along the spaced parallel lines 42. Rivet receiving openings 43 and 44 are provided on opposite sides of the bulge 4|. A large circular opening 45 and a smaller opening 46 are provided for purposes more particularly pointed out below. As is clear from Figs. 4, 6 through 8, and 14, the upper portion of the body 22 above the line 48 is distorted outwardly from the plane of the body 22 in a direction away from the bulge 4|.

The feed wheel carrier 24 is of elongated form (Figs. 4 and 12) and fits against the lower portion of that side of the body 22 remote from the bulge 4!. The carrier 24 includes a can guide flange along the lower edge.

top edge of the carrier 24 in the same direction as the flange 5|. Spaced from the flange 52 is a can guide ear 53 having a rounded surface, as shown, against which the bead of a can is adapted to abut. A bulge 54 is provided of the form of the bulge 4| of the body 22. At one side of the bulge 54 is a vertical slot 55, and at the other side an opening 56. The slot 55 and the opening 56 are disposed in respect to the bulge 54 as'the openings 43 and 44 are to Beside the opening 56 is a large opening 5'1 which corresponds to the opening 46 of the body 22.

The carrier 24 is pivotally mounted against the face of the body 22 by a rivet 66 which extends through the opening 44 of the body 22 and the opening 56 of the carrier 24 (Figs. 4 and 9). A rivet 6| extends through the slot 55 of the carrier 24 and the opening 43 of the body 22. The outer end of the carrier 24 substantially parallels the flange 46 of the body 22, which serves as, a stop to limit pivotal movement of the carrier 24 about the rivet 66.

As is clear from Figs. '7 and 11, a bushing 62 is mounted in the opening 5"! of the carrier 24 against rotation, and extends through the openings 46 of the body 22, the opening 46 being of sufiicient diameter to permit movement of the bushing 62 in the pivotal movement of the carrier 24. Rotatably mounted in the bushing 62 is a stud shaft 63 having a reduced threaded end 64, a head 65, and a knurled groove 66. The crank 34 is secured to the shaft 63 about the knurled groove 66 for rotation thereof, the crank 34 having a knob 61 mounted on the free end thereof by a suitable knob rivet 63. The feed wheel 32 threadedly engages the reduced threaded extremity of the shaft 63 for rotation therewith, abutting a washer 16. The depth of the main body of the shaft 63 is sufficient to prevent binding of the crank 34 and the washer against the bushing 62.

The eccentric 26 comprises a disc member mounted in the large opening of the body 22 (Figs. 7, 11 and 14). The eccentric 28 is held in place for rotation within the opening 45 by a retaining washer 73 of disc form of a little greater diameter than the diameter of the opening 45, and the disc cutter operating lever 26. The retainer washer l3 and the lever 26 are secured to each other and to the eccentric 28 by a rivet 14. The disc cutter 36 is secured to this assembly by a cutter stud 35 which extends through the retainer washer l3 and the eccentric 28, and is anchored to the lever 23 A cantop guide flange 52 extends outwardly from the through a reduced portion 16 and a peened over end 11. The disc cutter 30 is mounted on the cutter stud 15 for free rotation, preferably being of the diametric cross section and form as shown in the drawings.

The lever 26 is of the form shown in Figs. 6 through 8 and 13, and includes a flange which rests against the'top edge of the body 22 when the disc cutter 30 is in raised or inoperative position. The lever 26 is warped in order to conform to the curvature of the upper portion of the body 22.

As is clear from Figs. 8 and 9, the bulges 4| and 54 of the body 22 and carrier 24, respectively, are disposed in opposed relation when the carrier 24 is mounted on the body 22, thereby forming a cylindrical space in which is disposed the spring 36, which is a relatively heavy helical compression spring.

Operation It is to be observed that the disc cutter 30 of the present can opener 23 is in raised or inoperative position when the lever 26 is disposed with its flange 86 against the top edge of the body 22, as is clear from Figs. 1 and 4. This is advantageous since it means that the lever 26 will be moved to this out-of-the-way position when the disc cutter 30 is raised from can engaging position.

When it is desired to sever the top from a can 65, the can is placed in the position of Fig. 1 with the bead against the underside of the flange 52 of the carrier 24 and over the feed wheel 32, the side or edge of the bead 86 contacting the guide ear 53. The lever 26 is brought forwardly from the position of Fig. l to the position of Fig. 2, which results in the disc cutter 36 being moved into can top penetrating position through the action of the eccentric 28. The disc cutter 35 is moved towards the feed wheel 32. Since the disc cutter 36 is off center in respect of the eccentric 26, it is moved in an arcuate path in the rotation of the eccentric 23 by the lever 26. The crank 34 is then turned through the knob 87 to rotate the feed wheel 32, which moves the can 25 in a rotary movement, to sever the lid through the cuttng action of the disc cutter 36. It is to be observed from Fig. 11 that the disc cutter 30 presses the severed edge of the can top against the side of the can 35 to provide a smooth can interior.

it is to be particularly observed that the carrier 24 will yield if a static can top puncturing pressure is reached which is greater than the compressive load required to close the spring 36. This may occur with heavy can tops, or from a thick spot in a can, or other reason, since the rolling puncturing pressure is only a fraction. as low as one-f0urth, of the static puncturing pressure, the top normally then may be punctured by rotating the feed wheel 32. This important feature protects the working parts of the device.

Should there be an obstruction to the cutting action of the disc cutter 38 as the feed wheel 32 rotates the can 85, the carrier 24 will yield to prevent breaking of some part of the can opener 20. Further, this yielding action of the carrier 24 will permit severing the top of a can having a bead 86 of unusually great depth.

It is apparent that there has been provided a can opener which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a can opener comprising a supporting body, a bulge struck outwardly from one fiat side thereof, a feed wheel support pivotally connected to said body and disposed adjacent said side remote from said bulge and including a bulge struck outwardly from one flat side thereof and disposed in opposed relation to said supporting body bulge forming therewith a well having a top and bottom portion formed by the edges of said fiat sides of said supporting body and said feed wheel support which are movable relative to one another, a heavy spring in said well, can guide means on said feed wheel support, a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said feed wheel support, means for rotating said feed wheel, a cutter disc mounted on said supporting body for movement into and out of can piercing position, and means for moving said cutter disc into and out of can piercing position, said spring being yieldable to permit relative downward movement of said feed wheel and its support upon greater than predetermined force applied to a can top by the cutter disc in a static attempted piercing movement whereby breakage to the can opener is reduced to a minimum.

2. In combination, a, can opener comprising a supporting body of plate form, a semi-cylindrical bulge struck outwardly from one flat side thereof, a feed wheel support of plate form pivotally connected to said body and disposed adjacent said side remote from said bulge and including a semi-cylindrical bulge struck outwardly from one side thereof and disposed in opposed relation to said supporting body bulge forming therewith a, well having a, top and bottom portion formed by the edges of said flat sides of said supporting body and said feed wheel support which are movable relative to one another, a heavy spring in said well, can guide means on said feed wheel support, a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said feed wheel support, means for rotating said feed wheel, a cutter disc mounted on said supporting body for movement into and out of can piercing position, and means for moving said cutter disc into and out of can piercing position, said spring being yieldable to permit relative downward movement of said feed wheel and its support upon greater than predetermined force applied to a can top by the cutter disc in a static attempted piercing movement whereby breakage to the can opener is reduced to a minimum.

3. In combination, a can opener comprising a supporting body, a bulge struck outwardly from one flat side thereof, a feed wheel support pivotally connected to said body and disposed adjacent said side remote from said bulge and including a bulge struck outwardly from one flat side thereof and disposed in opposed relation to said supporting body bulge forming therewith a well having a top and bottom portion formed by the edges of said flat sides of said supporting all body and said feed wheel support which are movable relative to one another, a heavy spring in said well, can guide means on said feed Wheel support, a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said feed wheel support, means for rotating said feed wheel, a cutter disc mounted on said supporting body for movement into and out of can piercing position, said cutter disc being mounted on an eccentric and being movable on an are from inoperative position into a can piercing position and return, and means for moving said cutter disc into and out of can piercing position, said spring being yieldable to permit relative downward movement of said feed wheel and its support upon greater than predetermined force applied to a can top by the cutter disc in a static attempted piercing movement whereby breakage to the can opener is reduced to a minimum.

4. In combination, a can opener comprising a supporting body, a feed wheel support pivotally mounted on said supporting body in adjacent relationship therewith, can guide means on said feed wheel support, a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said feed wheel support, means for rotating said feed wheel, a cutter disc mounted on said supporting body for movement from an inoperative position to a can top piercing position, means for moving said cutter disc between its limits of movement, and a compression spring mounted in aligned openings in fiat sides of said adjacent supporting body and said feed wheel support and engaged by both, said flat sides of said supporting body and said feed wheel being movable relative to one another, said spring normally maintaining said supporting body and said feed wheel support in a predetermined can opening relationship and being yieldable upon an excessive force being applied by attempted can top piercing movement of said cutter disc.

5. In combination, a can opener comprising a supporting body, a feed wheel support pivotally mounted on said supporting body in adjacent relationship therewith, can guide means on said feed wheel support, a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said feed wheel support, means for rotating said feed wheel, a cutter disc mounted on said supporting body for movement from an inoperative position to a can top piercing position, means for moving said cutter disc between its limits of movement, a compression spring mounted in aligned openings in flat side portions of said adjacent supporting body and said feed wheel support and engaged by both, said flat sides of said supporting body and said feed wheel being movable relative to one another, and spring retaining means for maintaining said spring in place, said spring normally maintaining said supporting body and said feed wheel support in a predetermined can opening relationship and being yieldable upon an excessive force being applied by attempted can top piercing movement of said cutter disc.

ARTHUR E. NELSON.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,889,119 Brocksmith Nov. 29, 1932 2,102,174 Aeschback Dec. 14, 1937 2,148,130 Murdock Feb. 21, 1939 2,244,846 Moeller June 10, 1941 2,258,583 Berkman Oct. 14, 1941 2,375,401 Worley May 8, 1945 

